When Christoph Paubert first, several years ago, put together this blend of mostly-estate Merlot, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec, I don’t think he imagined it would turn out so well or that it would ultimately taste far better than the merely the sum of its parts. And there are a lot of parts to it!  The Merlot, always a quality staple of this part of the Stags Leap District, brings its soft, plush berry-driven mouthfeel to the party and acts as a balance to the concentrated, tannic, slightly unruly Petite Sirah from Oakville and Oak Knoll.  Cabernet Sauvignon is, well, Cabernet Sauvignon. It adds great color, currant-y depth and herbal complexity and backbone to the blend while the Malbec is like the squeeze of lemon on a fish- it brings freshness and verve to a wine that’s really all about its delicious fruit.  There’s power aplenty but also finesse and complexity too.  These kinds of blends are really a lot of fun to drink and, because The Investor, named as an ode to the winery’s original founder and his wife, is so well balanced. With all of its various parts working in sublime harmony with each other, it’s equally at home in a glass all by its lonesome or with a platter of lambchops, a steak or a perfectly assembled burger!  This is a pretty sweet find! 

 James Suckling: This is blowzy and rich, yet there are  plenty of tannins to back it up, and they are dusty and firm at that.  Full-bodied, but not heavy in any way. Layered and already delicious. A  blend of merlot, petite sirah, cabernet sauvignon and malbec. Drink or  hold.”   95 points